
Tan YS
The Singapore teachers do not
know
the
map
which t
h
e Cambridge setters
will
us
e
for the setting
of the ‘N’/ ‘O’ level Geography Elective Map Reading questions. However, in the course of
preparing you for exams, we will use the commonly used maps used by the Cambridge to expose
you to different types of que
stions and different map reading skills.
By the end of 2 or 3 years, we will have completed the whole booklet. By then, you will be
expected to be an expert for map reading.
Please refer to Annex 1 for the list of skills that you have to master at the
e
nd of 2 or 3 years.
Elective Geography paper is a very
skill
-
based paper
.
The map reading questions carry
10
marks and found in Section A. It is compulsory. There will be
at most 5 parts to this compulsory
structured
question.
1.
Basic map reading skills
notes
(Revision)
·
The below basic map reading skills are
essential in answering
map reading questions.
·
The hands
-
on will be covered during your map reading practice session.
·
Mastering basic map reading skills will allow us to
extract relevant information
from the
map
(under the assessment objectives)
All topo
graphical
maps must bear the following essentials:
o
a
title
to tell which area is mapped
o
a
scale
which is given as a ratio, or in words or as a line scale
o
a
legend
(reference) to show what the symbol
represent and what the abbreviations are
o
grid lines
for finding locations on the map.
o
Compass
directions
which shows the
north point
(a)
Using Legend
ü
The legend of a
topographical
map is also called the key
or references
.
ü
The legend of a top
ographical map is made up of
symbols
.
ü
Symbols are used on maps to represent all kinds of
human and natural features
.
ü
Symbols are drawn
small
and carry fairly similar
likeness
of what they represent.
ü
Most symbols cover a wide range of
geographical feature
s
such as physical features,
natural vegetation and transport lines.
Functions of each elements
All elements of a map are essential for reading and interpreting maps
Identifies the area mapped